Touch Screen Thermostat Benefits

The look and simplicity of a touchscreen thermostat makes this an irresistible feature when shopping for the latest home environment technology. If you're interested in ease of use and design, a touch screen thermostat is a promising choice. Lightly tapping a touch screen surface activates a controller card and a software driver to indicate a choice or menu on your thermostat. The result is intuitive operation, a clearly visible interface, and premium home environment control.

In a study at the University of Maryland, touch screens were compared to Michelangelo's famous fresco of the gods' where two fingertips meet. According to the study, "The process of touching is immediately recognizable as the gift of life, and inventors of the touchscreen in the 1960's may have been inspired by this image in their cultural unconscious." With this in mind, it's understandable that touch screen thermostats are so in demand.

Touch Screen Thermostats Are Convenient

Touchscreen thermostats are fast and simple, responding instantaneously to the light touch of a finger. This technology eliminates the need for side panels, extra buttons, or extra keypads. This saves wall space and creates a streamlined, modern aesthetic.

How Touch Screens Work

Touch screen thermostats are constructed of an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. LCD screens use two sheets of polarized materials, with a central layer of a liquid crystal solution. Together, these two sheets create a soft feel and clear picture for choosing a setpoint temperature. Electric currents pass through the liquid crystal, causing each individual crystal to either block light or allow it to pass through.

Touch Screen Thermostat	Regular Thermostat

One of the reasons LCD screens work so well with thermostats is because they are able to conform into small enough sizes for an appliance such as a thermostat. For example, White Rodgers features a large touchscreen embellished with a bright blue color for the 1F97-1277 model. White Rodgers chose the blue color according to research that has suggested its calming effect on the psyche. Touchscreen thermostats are backlit for nighttime use; the subtle glowing effect brightens the LCD screen to improve visibility when light is scarce.

Why You Should Buy a Touch Screen Thermostat

Since the sixties, touch screen technology has been perfected and improved. Backlighting and a large display enhance the user experience of a touch screen thermostat. They offer a very convenient method of programming your weekly or daily temperature schedule. Touchscreen thermostats are excellent for elderly people or those who have difficulty seeing.

Most touch screen thermostats will display the current temperature, time, change/check reminders, various holds, and other options when applicable. Many of the universal touch screen thermostat models can adapt to all types of HVAC systems. Everything you need is right there and only a touch away, simply press and go!

Recommended Touchscreen Thermostats

• Our editor's choice for the best programmable touch screen thermostat is the Honeywell TH8321U1006. It's all-around extremely adaptable, configurable with up to 5 systems of heating, cooling, or humidity.
• The Honeywell TH8110U1003 offers 24 hour program settings and an Energy Star listing.
• On a budget? The White Rodgers 1F97-1277 is Air & Water's least expensive touchscreen thermostat. It features a unique blue backlight and audio prompts to confirm your programmed settings.